To mark The Three Counties Cubes arriving at Keele University, we are excited to be sharing our Three Counties Artists Q&As again and this week, we spoke to recipient of the Arthur Berry Prize, Chris Moult.
Can you tell us the inspiration behind your piece?
My heritage. Well, I didn’t think I had an accent or was aware that I did but I guess most people think that way. I have probably become more conscious of how I sound after meeting my partner who is from South Africa and also a teacher, so the book, look and took police run riot around here! All of this, I found myself wanting to illustrate through these characters that I’ve been sketching for the last few years.
What made you want to contribute to the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition?
I have, like many, thought this exhibition to be the most prestigious, locally. Due to this, it became a goal of mine and, fortunately, I have been lucky enough to have had paintings accepted over the last few years and it is firmly placed in my calendar these days.
How did the feel when you received/learnt about your award/place in the competition?
As I mentioned I’ve been fortunate to have a few paintings accepted over the years. 2019 saw my painting “Accumulator Daydream” highly commended by the judges which was an honour at the time. So receiving the Arthur Berry Award last year was really gratifying and something I can draw on when I need inspiration to persevere.
How important is to have arts event and opportunities in your local county?
Massively important, in my humble opinion.
I’m not talking about showcasing talent in a marketing sense here, what I feel is valuable is the social aspect they bring by getting like minded people together from what can be, at somewhat insular interest. The best events in my opinion are the ones which encourage people to get involved.
I help run the Stoke Urban Sketchers group, and thoroughly enjoy trying to convince people that if they can hold a pen or pencil, they can capture something of their surroundings on paper. Not to mention the benefits of being involved, be it mental health, physical and social, all pretty much for free.
Is there a particular piece from the exhibition that stood out to you?
I have two which come to mind, the first being Carrie Pletscher’s “Sipping Tea with Kate”, the look of procrastination on the sitter’s face is backed up by the texture of the cup stain timeline. The title is reassuring in itself as it implies she had company and not that she had downed thirty cups of coffee on her own, although I would imagine that would lead to a pretty wide eyed expression.
The second is Jiri Borsky’s “Self Isolation”. I am an ardent fan of Jiri’s work, the style and texture he puts in, and with this one where the mask has become the face, poses questions about recognition to me, could we get that used to masks being worn that it looks odd at times?
I hope not.
Three Counties Cubes are at Keele University until Monday 14 June. Learn more here
